Why Is Konjac Root Banned in Australia? Side Effects (2024)

FAQs

Why Is Konjac Root Banned in Australia? Side Effects? ›

Although allowed in noodles in Australia, it was banned as a supplement in 1986 because of its potential to be a choking hazard and block the stomach.

Though the product is intended to be eaten by gently squeezing the container, a consumer can suck the product out with enough force to unintentionally lodge it in the trachea. Because of this hazard, the European Union and Australia banned konjac fruit jelly.

However, like with any high-fibre product, it might induce digestive issues, such as Bloating, diarrhoea, or loose stools. The Symptoms may include stomach discomfort, gas, and nausea. According to the FDA, certain Konjac sweets have resulted in choking fatalities among elderly persons and children.

One lab study found that konjac glucomannan supplements reduced total cholesterol and low-density lipoproteins (LDL or “bad cholesterol”). “The fibrous glucomannan gel coats the lining of your intestines, so food particles move through without a lot of absorption into the bloodstream,” says Culbertson.

Konjac jelly candies

Their small size and firm consistency led to numerous choking incidents, especially among children. As a result, the FDA banned the import and sale of konjac jelly candies in the U.S. in 2001 to prevent further choking hazards.

These carbohydrates are fermented in the intestines and cause gastrointestinal problems such as gas, stomachache, and cramps. People with irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease are advised to avoid eating konjac and FODMAPs-rich foods.

Konjac noodles should not be eaten as a staple. Yes, you'll lose weight, but you'll probably lose your energy, your shiny hair and your faith in 'health' foods.

FDA to include konjac carbohydrate as dietary fiber following two year wait. 14 Jan 2020 --- Glucomannan, which is found in the root of the konjac plant (also known as the elephant yam), is set to be added to the US definition of dietary fiber.

A few limited studies suggest that it does. In an eight week double blind study of 20 obese people, a one gram supplement of glucomannan taken one hour before each meal resulted in a six pound loss over eight weeks. An added bonus was a drop in blood cholesterol level.

Has anyone lost weight with glucomannan? ›

In one study, 20 obese subjects were given 1 gram of glucomannan before meals, and on average, they lost 5.5 pounds over eight weeks. A systematic review found that glucomannan can reduce appetite, which can help weight loss.

Konjac has hypoglycemic and antioxidant activities in vitro and in vivo. Lower levels of fasting blood glucose, serum insulin, and glycated serum protein; improve urea cycle, metabolism of lipid, glucose, and amino acids.

A: Hello, the BBD (best before date) / Expiration date is printed in each package. It is shelf stable for a year and can extend beyond its expiry date once refrigerated and as long as the noodles inside are still intact.

We mentioned that konjac is used as a thickener in cooking—which means it swells when it's mixed with water. This can be potentially dangerous when eaten in certain forms. In the early 2000s, for example, the FDA issued several recalls for fruit jelly candies made from konjac because of choking hazards.

The health benefits and biological activities of KGM include anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, anti-cholesterol, laxative effect, prebiotic, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor and wound healing, as shown in Table 1.

Konjac, pronounced like “Cognac,” is known by any of several names, including konnyaku, voodoo lily, snake palm, elephant yam, and of course, devil's tongue. It takes its sinister nickname from the dark reddish-purple spadix that juts from the center of the plant, much like a pointy, lurid tongue.

Planting konjac

For example, if a tuber is 15cm wide, then it should be covered by at least 15cm of soil or potting mix. In Australia, konjac is best grown in a large pot, rather than in the garden.

On February 24, 2018, Food Lawyers, Los Angeles submitted a petition to the FDA requesting konjac powder, konjac glucomannan, to be included in the dietary fiber on the nutrition label category. The FDA approved the request after reviewing the petition.

While the konjac noodles seem like a miracle discovery with few calories and carbohydrates, I would caution you to consume them in moderation like you would any other food. You need a balance of macronutrients to feel your best and you don't want to get too much of any individual food (even healthy ones).